Hampshire, credit Visit Portsmouth
There is nothing like the unique atmosphere of a music festival, and a growing number of festival goers are heading to the South East to experience their favourite bands and artists at some of the top music festivals in the UK. Whether you're camping for the weekend or just going for the day, you will be spoilt for choice with a huge range of rock, dance and pop music on offer throughout the year.
Take a look at the event highlights below as we will guide you through the best music festivals 2025 in South East England.
Isle of Wight Festival, (18th - 21st June 26) returns in June 2026. The award-winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts - this year welcoming Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure as headlomers,
If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the end of July (30th July - 2nd August 2026) at Cornbury Park . Spread across four days the festival is ideal for nature lovers and not only does it have fantastic live music but offers contemporary arts, an array of theatre and craftsmanship. Headlining in 2026 is Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and more!
Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (28th - 30th August 2026) offers off site camping with a free shuttle bus to and from the site. The Farlington campsite has different zooms including a family friendly area, with ties it the festivals large Kids arena - shortlist in the UK Festival Awards for Best Family Festival in 2015, 2016 & 2018. Head along this year to see artists such as Richard Ashcroft and Kasabian.
Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (27th - 30th August 2026). Taking place on August Bank holiday weekend, the three-day music event traditionally attracts some of the best rock bands in the world despite having more dance acts in recent years. This year artists include Chase & Status, Dave, Charli XCX and many more!
If sleeping conditions are not for you then don’t worry as there are several festivals offering ‘Glamping’ which is a more comfortable way of experiencing a festival or if you're looking to stay nearby, check out our accommodation listings.
Many of the mainstream festivals are well known and a must do for any regular festival goer. However, there are a whole host of other smaller UK music festivals, concerts and events celebrating different styles and genre that are ideal for the general music lovers. Here are some of our top picks from across the destination showcasing a mix of UK music including alternative rock, jazz, folk and classical. You can find others on the events pages which you can explore by county.
Number of results: 25
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Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Music
Newbury
For two weekends in July and August - Newbury Racecourse - welcomes entertainment both on and off the track.
This year Party in the Paddock welcomes Gipsy Kings, Ronan Keating, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J for two spectacular weekends of music and…
Music
Broadstairs
For one glorious week in August, Broadstairs is filled with the sound of folk music. A huge event on the Isle's calendar, Broadstairs Folk Week welcomes hundreds of musicians playing in beer gardens, church halls or on stage. With over 400 events…
Festival
Winchester
It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester. The 2025 line-up features Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider, David Rodigan, Alison Limerick, Don…
Festival
Windsor
Each year the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists, and local performers entertain and delight festival audiences, celebrate Windsor's special place as a Royal town, and to inspire the next generation of artistic talent and creativity.
Music
Basingstoke
Live music fans are in for a treat in September as Listen Up returns to Basingstoke. Explore multiple venues showcasing a variety of genres, from acoustic sets to upbeat bands, whether you’re browsing the town, stopping for a drink, or planning a…
Music
Reading
Down at the Abbey is an independent music festival in the Reading Abbey Ruins.
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Music
Maidenhead
The true Americana bluesman Lightnin' Willie: seasoned, original, and completely at home on stage, will be appearing at Norden Farm Centre for Arts this September. His music honors the tradition without turning it into a museum piece. It is alive,…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Put on your headphones and step into the world of K-Pop at the Winchester Science Centre high-energy family silent disco!
Choose your music channel and dance under colourful lights inspired by the global K-Pop scene. Join us for an unforgettable…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Festival
Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.
Music
Oxford
The Waterperry Opera Festival takes place over 10 days in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Music
Henley-on-Thames
Get ready for a fantastic weekend of iconic music, great food and drink and a warm, friendly atmosphere with fellow Rewinders. From singalong favourites to unforgettable live performances, we’ve got plenty in store to make this year extra special.
Festival
Henley On Thames
With its wonderful range of entertainment in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River Thames and with some of the best wining and dining seen at any Festival, Henley Festival makes for a highly glamorous party not to be missed, with stars on
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Music
Maidenhead
The prolific international performer, composer, arranger, bandleader and touring soloist Alan Barnes comes to Norden Farm Centre for Arts in Maidenhead. He is best known for his work on the clarinet, alto sax and baritone sax, where he combines…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Festival
Southampton
Music in the City is Southampton’s premier music event celebrating and promoting the wonderful diversity of musical talent within Southampton City for the benefit of all residents and city visitors.
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